Rising Labor Costs and Rent Forces Furry-Friendly Mom and Pop Restaurant To Close

Parson
Jack’s Café in Charleston, SC, well-known for being a dog-friendly
restaurant, has closed its doors.

Steve
Morgan, general manager, said via the restaurant’s Facebook page,
that he was grateful for the customers’ patronage, as well as the
hard work and dedication of the employees. He said he was grateful
for the last 13 years of friendship.

Morgan
said the restaurant was being closed for financial reasons. He blamed
the rising rent and labor market costs as reasons to close the
business. He said there are many Charleston restaurants hiring, which
forces wages to exceed sustainable levels and leads to Mom and Pop
restaurants being pushed out.

The
restaurant used its last four days to celebrate the Parson Jack’s
friends and their furry family members. He said the restaurant’s
final open mic night was Thursday and a live music night was set for
Friday. Parson Jack’s would offer half-off food and Sunday was the
last brunch. A Thank You party was set for 2 p.m. and would last
until 8 p.m.

Morgan
said the community’s response to the announcement has been vast and
profound. He said the restaurant is donating the money on its ceiling
to the Charleston Animal Society and PetHelpers during the
appreciation party.

Parson
Jack’s first opened in 2006 and was in its 13th
year of business.